Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

1/13/10

Thoughts and Wishes for 2010

I have started the year giving time each morning to making a "creative strategic planner". A friend of mine sent me this site: http://lisasonorabeam.com/2009/12/11/journal-peek-my-2010-strategic-planner—goal-setting-for-creatives/ and it seemed to offer the perfect way to plan out this busy, emotional, rich, full year ahead! 2010 is the year of balance and clarity for me, which means, I will be able to see my way clearly, if I can keep balance in my professional life as well as my family life. The two big events to balance are:

My daughter's graduation from high school and then a summer trip to take her to the college she chooses, and the publication and launch of my new picture book with Simon & Schuster in July.
I want to launch both book and daughter into the world with thoughtfulness and celebration, thus I am hoping my creative strategic planner will help with this endeavor.
2010 marks new beginnings as well... Between now and June, I am writing. I have several picture book stories in the works and have added a new element with the new year: my husband, Matthew Smith, composer, http://www.matthewsmithcomposes.com/HOME.html , is joining me in a picture book collaboration. We have met twice so far and have a very exciting manuscript in the works. (I will reveal more in the coming months... perhaps we could have a blog with the subject of collaboration?) I set June as my deadline for writing, because once the graduation is passed and my new book is launched, I have a new illustration contract with Beach Lane Books which I am very excited about, thus sketches, storyboards, and dummy books are in my 2010 future.
Travel is another wish for 2010. I loved my experience as a visiting author/illustrator in Mumbai and look forward to more such opportunities. At this point, nothing is on the calendar, but I want to do whatever I can to get some possibilities rolling.
And being inspired by Christy's post, I have signed up for a workshop through the Hamline Master's in Children's Literature program. And a poetry class at the Loft this year is something that could only add to my growth as a writer.
2010 is proving to be a full year. I did not even mention that I am writing the script for this year's Circus Juventas http://www.circusjuventas.com/ August show as well as designing and painting the sets. It is all... the writing, the painting, the parenting, and the planning... all stuff I love to do. I am looking forward to what this new year and new decade may bring!

7 comments:

Christy said...

Lauren, you're such a slacker! ;-)
I am revved just reading all the things you've got going. What a big year! I wish you the best in each endeavor, and hope you will reveal more details as events and projects unfold.

Stephanie said...

Sounds like you have wonderful projects in the works:) We are also in that graduation mode...

Edie Hemingway said...

Wow, Lauren, what an exciting year with all kinds of things in the works! And to launch both a daughter and a new book into the world is life-changing. Wishing you all the best in 2010.

john said...

You Go, Lauren! What wonderful opportunities and I am confident that the launches for Ruby and the new book will be wonderful. Congratulations.

David LaRochelle said...

Your goals and dreams for the new year are inspiring, Lauren. I hope you'll share some of your book launch ideas; I've got a new book coming out in 2010 as well and am unsure of what I'll be doing to promote it.

Lauren said...

Stephanie, I would love to hear about how you and your senior are doing this year. And yes, 2010 is going to be an exciting year with the roller coaster ride that goes with that. David, I am so excited to see what your new book is!

Mark said...

Lauren, you have a busy year planned, indeed. Congratulations on your latest book release, and your daughter's upcoming graduation! Like the others, I eagerly anticipate updates as the year goes along.